RR962 - Survey of noise emission and risk information suppllied with a range of work machinery

Previous work has shown that the noise emission data provided by the manufacturers can be of variable quality and be based on standards that no longer exist. In some cases no noise emission data are provided at all. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) needs to be in a position to challenge or support the validity of noise emission data or other information provided by manufacturers, to offer robust advice to dutyholders on the management of noise exposure based on this information, and facilitate the promotion of low noise machinery on a general or machine specific basis.

The aim of the project was to assess the suitability of information on noise emission required under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors Regulations for workplace risk assessment. The noise information provided by manufacturers and suppliers of a wide range of machine types for which noise declaration is required was assessed.

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.